Soliloquy

This version of the Indian epic ‘The Mahabharata’ which was compiled by former Chief Minister of Madras and the first Governor-General of independent India Mr Chakravarty Rajagopalachari, offers insights into the thinking and mindsets of men who existed a million years ago and how Dharma (a sense of righteousness) should always be upheld.

I had the good fortune of being acquainted with both Indian epics ‘The Ramayana’ and ‘The Mahabharata’ when I was a kid and looked towards this version to quench my thirst of knowing more than just the stories of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Sadly, this book disappoints in this segment. This is a brilliant read for children and those who are not acquainted with the story beforehand. However, Mr Rajagopalachari provides few insights into the untold stories within the Mahabharata. Its negatives far outweigh its positives.

There is no depiction of the emperor of Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra and his wife Gandhari before they ascended the throne nor is there any convincing statement regarding why the Kauravas turned out to be a hundred in number. Bhima’s and Arjuna’s alliances with numerous women apart from Draupadi are not depicted apart from the valour that their progeny from those very unions (read Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu) possess. There are also snippets regarding curses and boons thrown in but none of them are expanded enough for the viewer to get a clear picture.

The biggest episode of the Mahabharata of when, during the war of Kurukshetra, Arjuna refuses to fight against his cousins, uncles and other relatives and Lord Krishna steps in to describe the importance of duty over emotion/sentiment to him (and in turn, preaches a part of the Bhagavad Gita), is completely overlooked in this book.

The only positive that this version offers is the wonderful portrayal of the war of Kurukshetra and the fall of the Kuru giants Bhishma, Drona and Karna. The book is also extremely heavy on being righteous and condemning those who are not. The episode where Bhima meets Hanuman is also worth going back to.

Read this book only if you want a basic idea about what the Mahabharata is about. If you are seeking stories within it and tales which remain behind the folds, look beyond.